Brussels proves to be a very dense multi-layered city characterised by abrupt shifts in urban structure, architecture and the social environment. This patchwork provides an urban modality that resists a general grasp of the city while providing room for individualised appropriations. The abundance of juxtapositions in the every-day surroundings create a productive resonance with its passersby in a manner where the city manifests as a vibrant, open-ended, multiplicity. How can one grasp the nature of these relational oscillations and what modes of resonance give shape to the particular Brussels vibe?
Over the course of the four day festival, Tuned City Brussels probes such urban frequencies through concerts, walks, installations and interventions in situ while at the same time focusing the theoretical framework around three core notions: ‘Relational Noise’, ‘Situational Listening’ and ‘Operative Ambience’. A different theme will be explored each day in a corresponding ‘zone’ in the city, towards which the festival relocates.
The project has had a long preparation phase in exchange with locals and organisations. Several lectures, artistic presentations, residencies and workshops have been leading up to this four day festival. Particularly important was the collaboration with the art schools Sint Lucas Architectuur, Erasmus Hogeschool RITS/Radio, Sint Lukas Transmedia and La Cambre/Espace Urbain.
The first Tuned City project was realised in Berlin in 2008, with subsequent editions in Tallinn and Nürnberg. For the current edition Q-O2 workspace for experimental music and sound art has invited Tuned City to collaboratively research the context of Brussels.
Tuned City Brussels is co-organised by Q-O2, workspace for experimental music and sound art and will be realised with the support of the Flemish Minister for Brussels Affairs, Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie, Goethe Institut Brussels, Ville de Bruxelles, Service de la Culture de Saint-Gilles, Polish Institute (Cultural Service of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland). Partners are Citizenne, BESSST, BNA-BBOT, Kaaitheater, Beursschouwburg, Ateliers Claus, WIELS, STUK and the above mentioned art schools.
image documentation
image documentation day 1
image documentation day 2
image documentation day 3